Manual handling is responsible for more than a third of all workplace injuries,
many of which can have painful and long-lasting consequences. The Royal Society
for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) has brought its moving and handling
training up to date with the introduction of an electronic device that helps
trainees adopt - and keep - good manual handling habits.

The movement tracking device is worn on a belt and monitors the wearer's
movement and posture, picking up on movements such as stooping which are known
to be a risk factor in back injury. The technology can be tailored to
individual needs and has built-in activation thresholds which vibrate and make
a sound to alert the wearer to their risky behaviour, gradually conditioning
employees to make changes to their handling routines.

RoSPA is introducing the device into all its manual handling and safer people
handling training courses, with the first session having taken place this week
in its purpose-built training facility in Birmingham.

It is hoped that the moving and tracking system will bring a new dimension to
moving and handling training, enabling delegates to take control of their own
learning and correct mistakes in posture and movement when they are out of view
of the trainer.

Rob Burgon, RoSPA's workplace safety manager, said: "We are very excited
about this new addition to our manual handling and safer people handling
training and hope that it will bring a new dimension to our extremely popular
training courses.

"Back injuries and musculoskeletal disorders are responsible for a huge number
of injuries in the UK each year, and are common across the whole spectrum of
workplaces and industries. As well employers having to cope with lost
production and the costs of supporting employees through sickness, employees
themselves who are suffering from back injuries may find that their ability to
do their job is affected and that there is a negative impact on their lifestyle.

"Ensuring that people are equipped with the skills and the inclination to lift
and handle safely is essential for the health and wellbeing of employees,
employers and wider society.”

More info

AplusA-online.de - Source: Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents